Eye On College Basketball – Episode Summary

Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Gary Parrish & Matt Norlander
Episode Theme:
A dynamic week in college basketball: Kentucky’s new ceiling with Jayden Quaintance, St. John’s rapidly unraveling season, Duke’s shocking loss to Texas Tech, Houston’s ongoing title push, and Ed Cooley’s suspension at Georgetown—plus notes on UNC, the SEC, and heartwarming moments from Michigan State & Oakland.

1. [03:26] CBS Sports Classic & Kentucky's Transformation

Main Focus: Kentucky vs. St. John's

Kentucky beat St. John’s 78–66 in Atlanta, with freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance debuting impressively (10 pts, 8 reb in 18 minutes).
Gary Parrish notes the visible difference with Quaintance and Jalen Lowe on the court for the first time all season:
- “From that point forward at 16:07, outscored St John's 45–26. They just absolutely flipped it, and Lowe was the biggest part of it.” (09:00, GP)
Matt Norlander agrees—Kentucky’s “best 1-4-5” finally together, changing both ends of the floor and atmosphere:
- “Kentucky fans deserve this. … There is real, real optimism that Kentucky can be much closer to what we thought it would be.” (07:23, MN)
Caution: Lowe’s shoulder injury could flare up any time; the team’s new ceiling remains “delicate.”

Key Stats & Quotes

JQ’s performance: “He looked healthy, he looked dynamic, he looked bouncy. … He made St John’s look small.” (10:30, GP)
Otega Oweh: 20 points, 3 blocks, 3 steals—overshadowed but vital.
Takeaway: Kentucky now resembles their preseason Top 10 expectations.

St. John’s In Trouble

St. John's falls to 7–4, “has certainly jumped above Kentucky among the most disappointing teams in the country.” (13:40, MN)
Pitino, candid postgame:
- “We’re a mediocre team, nothing more.…There is nothing we can do about the point guard situation.” (14:00, Rick Pitino via GP)
Pitino admits: Missed on four PG targets; no clear fix coming.
- “As a staff, we failed. But there’s nothing I don’t know if…” (16:00, GP)

Why No Point Guard = Fatal

GP: “You need a point guard in college, and it’s less important in the NBA.”
Norlander: Without one, St. John’s “can overachieve in the micro… but the hype was not justified.”

2. [19:02] UNC Edges Ohio State in Atlanta

UNC wins a wild finish, 71–70, over Ohio State.
UNC now 11–1—best non-conference start since their 2009 title season.
Matt Norlander: Caleb Wilson (20 pts, 10 reb, 3 blocks) “top three freshmen,” clinched the win with a late block.
“Hubert Davis has just about coached himself off the hot seat.” (22:45, MN)
Ohio State left winless in Quad 1 games.
Notable moment: GP’s on-air technical glitch (“a gays a game” remix) becomes a running joke amid recap.

3. [27:46] Madison Square Garden – Duke Collapses v. Texas Tech

Duke lost at MSG after blowing a 17-point lead with 16:17 left: “Duke gives away the game…This is the worst loss of Shire’s career so far.” (30:30, MN)
Massive for Texas Tech, undermanned but surging behind Chris Anderson (27 pts), Lawan Watts (20 pts), Toppin (19 pts).
“Duke just had it. And I’m not going to say it played with its food, but you just…don’t typically see them blow games like this.” (32:10, MN)
Context: Duke also blew a 14-point lead to Houston in the Final Four—the last two losses, both big second-half collapses.

4. [39:45] Houston Handles Arkansas – Are the Cougars Better Than Last Year?

Houston outpaces Arkansas 94–85 in their fastest-paced game in 2.5 years, led by true freshman Kingston Flemings (21 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl).
- “He has been great—greater than anybody anticipated…if you’d asked all your favorite college basketball podcasters that day, where do you think Kingston Flemings would have been ranked (among the guards)? Fifth, probably.” (45:35, GP)
- NBA scouts now see him as a “top 10 pick.”
Key Point: Houston’s defense, experience, and now a breakout star make them a legitimate title threat.

5. [48:23] Whip-Around: Top Teams Check-In

Arizona & Purdue

Arizona beats San Diego State 68–45 (held SDSU to 26% FG, 7% from three, 2nd half surge).
Purdue routs Auburn, secures Top 10 spot; Auburn now has three lopsided losses to quality teams: “Their quality losses by 30.” (50:53, GP)

Vandy: The SEC's Lone Unbeaten

Vanderbilt dominates Wake Forest, moves to 12–0.
- "Best team in the SEC right now. I just don't think that's arguable." (53:00, MN)
Caution: No top-30 wins yet, but "absent of a top-40 win," they're still flawless.

6. [54:32] Coaching Carousel: Big East Updates

Ed Cooley Suspended After Throwing Water Bottle

Cooley (Georgetown) “in a fit of rage chucked a water bottle” and struck a mother and child (accidentally).
Georgetown issues a one-game suspension (for Coppin State), widely deemed insufficient:
- “I would have sat him down for two games, including St. John’s.” (57:30, MN)
Cooley’s apology: “My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be...” (56:37, Ed Cooley Statement)

(Other Notes)

Kansas assistant Joe Dooley suspended three weeks after alleged DUI.
Cincinnati, Wake Forest, Ole Miss among the biggest disappointments—coaches West Miller, Steve Forbes, and Chris Beard on the hot seat.

7. [61:59] Heartwarming Holiday: Izzo & Campy’s Friendship

Michigan State and Oakland play their annual pre-Christmas game with Tom Izzo and Greg Campy wearing “naughty/nice” Christmas sweaters.
Greg Campy, emotional in the joint presser:
- “This relationship for me is the single most important relationship I’ve had in my professional career.” (63:15, Campy quote)
Both hosts celebrate the annual tradition as one of college basketball’s best, noting Izzo’s rare mix of on-court intensity and off-court warmth.

8. [69:12] Bears Bonus: Matt Norlander’s Cathartic NFL Moment

Matt Norlander shares his elation at the Chicago Bears’ playoff-clinching win, paralleling the emotions of college hoops fans.
- “Nights like that are why it’s worth it, people that watch this pod, listen…you’ve got your college team…I identify with that…This was the most rewarding regular-season win of my life.” (71:26, MN)
Chipper banter about sports spouses and sharing fan highs and lows.

9. [76:46] What’s Next & Listener Notes

Monday: Missouri vs. Illinois (rivalry game), Davidson at Kansas.
Tuesday: Villanova at Seton Hall—matchup of two top Big East teams.
Next episode = holiday mailbag, airing after Christmas.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Rick Pitino’s honesty: “We’re a mediocre team, nothing more.”
On Kentucky’s new lineup: “Their new ceiling is higher than ever—but it’s dependent on health.” (08:59, GP)
On Houston’s guard rotation: “He (Flemings) has gone from being the fifth most important guard on Houston’s projected roster…to probably their best right now.” (45:35, GP)
Glitch humor: Parish’s “a gays a game” audio loop became a running gag.
Campy on Izzo: “This relationship…is the single most important relationship I’ve had in my professional career.” (63:15, Campy)
Cooley’s apology: “My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be.” (56:37, Cooley)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:26] Kentucky vs. St. John’s & the CBS Sports Classic
[08:17] UK’s “best lineup” first appears together
[13:40] St. John’s major troubles & Rick Pitino’s candid presser
[19:02] UNC–Ohio State: Tar Heels’ best start in years
[27:46] Duke’s collapse vs. Texas Tech at MSG
[39:45] Houston–Arkansas: The Cougars’ new star
[48:23] Top-10 teams update: Arizona, Purdue, Vandy rising
[54:32] Ed Cooley suspended; coaching carousel notes
[61:59] Izzo & Campy: Best friends’ Christmas tradition
[69:12] NFL interlude: Norlander’s Bears joy
[76:46] Looking ahead, Big East Tuesday matchup

Original Tone & Language

Conversational, good-natured ribbing, insightful analysis, and direct quotations.
Honest evaluations—Pitino’s candor, Parish’s frustration with tech hiccups, Norlander’s Bears fandom.
Warmth for the sport and its personalities—especially in the depiction of the Izzo–Campy relationship.

In Summary

A weekend that changed the outlook for Kentucky thanks to key debuts, deepened St. John’s woes, delivered one of Duke’s most head-scratching losses in years, showcased Houston’s growing title threat—and reminded us of the joy, heartbreak, and camaraderie that make college sports, and college basketball in particular, so magnetic. Closing on a feel-good tradition amid classic holiday pod chaos, Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander provide listeners with detailed breakdowns and genuine laughs. If you missed the episode, you’re up to speed.

Eye On College Basketball – Episode Summary

1. [03:26] CBS Sports Classic & Kentucky's Transformation

Main Focus: Kentucky vs. St. John's

Kentucky beat St. John’s 78–66 in Atlanta, with freshman phenom Jayden Quaintance debuting impressively (10 pts, 8 reb in 18 minutes).
Gary Parrish notes the visible difference with Quaintance and Jalen Lowe on the court for the first time all season:
- “From that point forward at 16:07, outscored St John's 45–26. They just absolutely flipped it, and Lowe was the biggest part of it.” (09:00, GP)
Matt Norlander agrees—Kentucky’s “best 1-4-5” finally together, changing both ends of the floor and atmosphere:
- “Kentucky fans deserve this. … There is real, real optimism that Kentucky can be much closer to what we thought it would be.” (07:23, MN)
Caution: Lowe’s shoulder injury could flare up any time; the team’s new ceiling remains “delicate.”

Key Stats & Quotes

JQ’s performance: “He looked healthy, he looked dynamic, he looked bouncy. … He made St John’s look small.” (10:30, GP)
Otega Oweh: 20 points, 3 blocks, 3 steals—overshadowed but vital.
Takeaway: Kentucky now resembles their preseason Top 10 expectations.

St. John’s In Trouble

St. John's falls to 7–4, “has certainly jumped above Kentucky among the most disappointing teams in the country.” (13:40, MN)
Pitino, candid postgame:
- “We’re a mediocre team, nothing more.…There is nothing we can do about the point guard situation.” (14:00, Rick Pitino via GP)
Pitino admits: Missed on four PG targets; no clear fix coming.
- “As a staff, we failed. But there’s nothing I don’t know if…” (16:00, GP)

Why No Point Guard = Fatal

GP: “You need a point guard in college, and it’s less important in the NBA.”
Norlander: Without one, St. John’s “can overachieve in the micro… but the hype was not justified.”

2. [19:02] UNC Edges Ohio State in Atlanta

UNC wins a wild finish, 71–70, over Ohio State.
UNC now 11–1—best non-conference start since their 2009 title season.
Matt Norlander: Caleb Wilson (20 pts, 10 reb, 3 blocks) “top three freshmen,” clinched the win with a late block.
“Hubert Davis has just about coached himself off the hot seat.” (22:45, MN)
Ohio State left winless in Quad 1 games.
Notable moment: GP’s on-air technical glitch (“a gays a game” remix) becomes a running joke amid recap.

3. [27:46] Madison Square Garden – Duke Collapses v. Texas Tech

Duke lost at MSG after blowing a 17-point lead with 16:17 left: “Duke gives away the game…This is the worst loss of Shire’s career so far.” (30:30, MN)
Massive for Texas Tech, undermanned but surging behind Chris Anderson (27 pts), Lawan Watts (20 pts), Toppin (19 pts).
“Duke just had it. And I’m not going to say it played with its food, but you just…don’t typically see them blow games like this.” (32:10, MN)
Context: Duke also blew a 14-point lead to Houston in the Final Four—the last two losses, both big second-half collapses.

4. [39:45] Houston Handles Arkansas – Are the Cougars Better Than Last Year?

Houston outpaces Arkansas 94–85 in their fastest-paced game in 2.5 years, led by true freshman Kingston Flemings (21 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl).
- “He has been great—greater than anybody anticipated…if you’d asked all your favorite college basketball podcasters that day, where do you think Kingston Flemings would have been ranked (among the guards)? Fifth, probably.” (45:35, GP)
- NBA scouts now see him as a “top 10 pick.”
Key Point: Houston’s defense, experience, and now a breakout star make them a legitimate title threat.

5. [48:23] Whip-Around: Top Teams Check-In

Arizona & Purdue

Arizona beats San Diego State 68–45 (held SDSU to 26% FG, 7% from three, 2nd half surge).
Purdue routs Auburn, secures Top 10 spot; Auburn now has three lopsided losses to quality teams: “Their quality losses by 30.” (50:53, GP)

Vandy: The SEC's Lone Unbeaten

Vanderbilt dominates Wake Forest, moves to 12–0.
- "Best team in the SEC right now. I just don't think that's arguable." (53:00, MN)
Caution: No top-30 wins yet, but "absent of a top-40 win," they're still flawless.

6. [54:32] Coaching Carousel: Big East Updates

Ed Cooley Suspended After Throwing Water Bottle

Cooley (Georgetown) “in a fit of rage chucked a water bottle” and struck a mother and child (accidentally).
Georgetown issues a one-game suspension (for Coppin State), widely deemed insufficient:
- “I would have sat him down for two games, including St. John’s.” (57:30, MN)
Cooley’s apology: “My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be...” (56:37, Ed Cooley Statement)

(Other Notes)

Kansas assistant Joe Dooley suspended three weeks after alleged DUI.
Cincinnati, Wake Forest, Ole Miss among the biggest disappointments—coaches West Miller, Steve Forbes, and Chris Beard on the hot seat.

7. [61:59] Heartwarming Holiday: Izzo & Campy’s Friendship

Michigan State and Oakland play their annual pre-Christmas game with Tom Izzo and Greg Campy wearing “naughty/nice” Christmas sweaters.
Greg Campy, emotional in the joint presser:
- “This relationship for me is the single most important relationship I’ve had in my professional career.” (63:15, Campy quote)
Both hosts celebrate the annual tradition as one of college basketball’s best, noting Izzo’s rare mix of on-court intensity and off-court warmth.

8. [69:12] Bears Bonus: Matt Norlander’s Cathartic NFL Moment

Matt Norlander shares his elation at the Chicago Bears’ playoff-clinching win, paralleling the emotions of college hoops fans.
- “Nights like that are why it’s worth it, people that watch this pod, listen…you’ve got your college team…I identify with that…This was the most rewarding regular-season win of my life.” (71:26, MN)
Chipper banter about sports spouses and sharing fan highs and lows.

9. [76:46] What’s Next & Listener Notes

Monday: Missouri vs. Illinois (rivalry game), Davidson at Kansas.
Tuesday: Villanova at Seton Hall—matchup of two top Big East teams.
Next episode = holiday mailbag, airing after Christmas.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Rick Pitino’s honesty: “We’re a mediocre team, nothing more.”
On Kentucky’s new lineup: “Their new ceiling is higher than ever—but it’s dependent on health.” (08:59, GP)
On Houston’s guard rotation: “He (Flemings) has gone from being the fifth most important guard on Houston’s projected roster…to probably their best right now.” (45:35, GP)
Glitch humor: Parish’s “a gays a game” audio loop became a running gag.
Campy on Izzo: “This relationship…is the single most important relationship I’ve had in my professional career.” (63:15, Campy)
Cooley’s apology: “My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be.” (56:37, Cooley)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[03:26] Kentucky vs. St. John’s & the CBS Sports Classic
[08:17] UK’s “best lineup” first appears together
[13:40] St. John’s major troubles & Rick Pitino’s candid presser
[19:02] UNC–Ohio State: Tar Heels’ best start in years
[27:46] Duke’s collapse vs. Texas Tech at MSG
[39:45] Houston–Arkansas: The Cougars’ new star
[48:23] Top-10 teams update: Arizona, Purdue, Vandy rising
[54:32] Ed Cooley suspended; coaching carousel notes
[61:59] Izzo & Campy: Best friends’ Christmas tradition
[69:12] NFL interlude: Norlander’s Bears joy
[76:46] Looking ahead, Big East Tuesday matchup

Original Tone & Language

Conversational, good-natured ribbing, insightful analysis, and direct quotations.
Honest evaluations—Pitino’s candor, Parish’s frustration with tech hiccups, Norlander’s Bears fandom.
Warmth for the sport and its personalities—especially in the depiction of the Izzo–Campy relationship.

Jayden Quaintance changes Kentucky's season, St. John's in trouble, Duke blows it vs. Texas Tech, Houston still a title contender, Ed Cooley suspended

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Summary

Eye On College Basketball – Episode Summary

1. [03:26] CBS Sports Classic & Kentucky's Transformation

Main Focus: Kentucky vs. St. John's

Key Stats & Quotes

St. John’s In Trouble

Why No Point Guard = Fatal

2. [19:02] UNC Edges Ohio State in Atlanta

3. [27:46] Madison Square Garden – Duke Collapses v. Texas Tech

4. [39:45] Houston Handles Arkansas – Are the Cougars Better Than Last Year?

5. [48:23] Whip-Around: Top Teams Check-In

Arizona & Purdue

Vandy: The SEC's Lone Unbeaten

6. [54:32] Coaching Carousel: Big East Updates

Ed Cooley Suspended After Throwing Water Bottle

(Other Notes)

7. [61:59] Heartwarming Holiday: Izzo & Campy’s Friendship

8. [69:12] Bears Bonus: Matt Norlander’s Cathartic NFL Moment

9. [76:46] What’s Next & Listener Notes

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Original Tone & Language

In Summary

Summary

Eye On College Basketball – Episode Summary

1. [03:26] CBS Sports Classic & Kentucky's Transformation

Main Focus: Kentucky vs. St. John's

Key Stats & Quotes

St. John’s In Trouble

Why No Point Guard = Fatal

2. [19:02] UNC Edges Ohio State in Atlanta

3. [27:46] Madison Square Garden – Duke Collapses v. Texas Tech

4. [39:45] Houston Handles Arkansas – Are the Cougars Better Than Last Year?

5. [48:23] Whip-Around: Top Teams Check-In

Arizona & Purdue

Vandy: The SEC's Lone Unbeaten

6. [54:32] Coaching Carousel: Big East Updates

Ed Cooley Suspended After Throwing Water Bottle

(Other Notes)

7. [61:59] Heartwarming Holiday: Izzo & Campy’s Friendship

8. [69:12] Bears Bonus: Matt Norlander’s Cathartic NFL Moment

9. [76:46] What’s Next & Listener Notes

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Original Tone & Language

In Summary